Exploring blended group interventions for depression

Autor(en)
Raphael Schuster, Isabella Leitner, Per Carlbring, Anton-Rupert Laireiter
Abstrakt

Background: Blended interventions aim to capitalise on the strengths of both computer-based and face-to-face therapy. Studies on this innovative treatment format remain scare. This especially accounts for the group treatment of depression.

Method: The present study applied eclectic psychotherapy methods to an adult sample exhibiting a variety of depressive symptoms (N = 46). Participants were recruited by a newspaper inlet and randomised either to a treatment or a waiting list condition. Computer supported components were multimedia group sessions, e-learning, online videos and worksheets, remote therapist-patient communication and online pre-post-assessment.

Results: Large between-group effect sizes on primary outcome depressiveness (CES-D) (F ((1,44)) = 4.88, p = 0.032; d = 0.87) and secondary outcome personal resources (resource scales) (F ((1,44)) = 9.04, p = 0.004; d = 0.73 to F ((1,44)) = 8.82 p = 0.005, d = 1.15) were found in the intention to treat analysis (ANOVA). Subjective evaluation of the intervention revealed high treatment adherence (91%) and high perceived relevance of supportive computer and multimedia components. Participants rated computer and multimedia components comparable to treatment elements such as group interaction or specific cognitive behavioural exercises, and 25% associated the utilisation of those components with treatment success. Depressiveness and age did not predict the utilisation and the appraisal of computer and multimedia components.

Discussion: Results provide preliminary support for the acceptability and feasibility of the investigated blended treatment in a group with non-specific depressive symptoms. However, small sample size and lack of diagnostics restrict generalizability. Additional research in clinical settings is needed.

Organisation(en)
Institut für Klinische und Gesundheitspsychologie
Externe Organisation(en)
Stockholm University, Paris-Lodron Universität Salzburg
Journal
Internet Interventions
Band
8
Seiten
63-71
Anzahl der Seiten
9
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2017.04.001
Publikationsdatum
06-2017
Peer-reviewed
Ja
ÖFOS 2012
501010 Klinische Psychologie, 501024 Verhaltenstherapie, 501019 Psychotherapie
Schlagwörter
ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete
Clinical Psychology, Health Informatics
Link zum Portal
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/de/publications/46680a96-7188-46cf-a31e-2e462e9afbd8